Hey dolls! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-traveling, pink tutu-loving, drag history queen! Welcome back to the blog! It’s December, which means the festive season is officially upon us – it’s Christmas time! That means more glitter, more sparkle, and most importantly, more amazing drag performances to fill those chilly winter nights with glamour and joy.
And speaking of joy… how do you fancy a little trip through the annals of drag history with me? This month, my magical pink tutu took me all the way back to December 12th, 1948!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, wasn’t that before drag queens even existed?"
To which I’d say… Oh darling! Have you heard of Judy Garland, Miss Fanny Brice, the legendary Julie Andrews, heck, even that cheeky chap Charlie Chaplin? All those flamboyant performances on the big screen in the 40s, they were definitely paving the way for the drag scene as we know it. We’ve got to give a little credit to those early pioneers, even if they didn’t quite have the makeup skills we enjoy today!
Speaking of early pioneers, it wouldn’t be a drag trip to the 40s without mentioning the dazzling Kiki and Herb! The glamorous duo started their careers way back in 1945 with their cabaret show "Kiki and Herb are in the Afternoon." Now, we don’t know what exact drag shows were happening on the 12th of December 1948 (those archive records are sadly, a little lost!) but it’s a pretty safe bet that somewhere out there, someone was putting on a fantastic performance! Maybe even Kiki and Herb were working their magic somewhere in the bustling cafes of Greenwich Village!
While we’re at it, it wouldn’t be a proper blog post without a little fashion chatter! 1948 was a big year for fashion, particularly when it comes to the glamorous look that still inspires drag today! Think Dior’s New Look, the beautiful flowy skirts and nipped-in waists – talk about making a statement on the dance floor!
Imagine yourself twirling in a big, dramatic ball gown, complete with gloves and a matching hat. Throw on a killer pair of high heels and a splash of lipstick – that’s a look that would never go out of style!
Now, as you know, I love my pink, but darling, the palette in 1948 was a little… well, restricted. They weren't really doing bright pink! Pink was still thought of as a "baby" colour, but we drag queens have always pushed those boundaries! We love to wear pink and turn those preconceived ideas upside down!
Don’t forget to check out the vintage drag footage on my YouTube channel this week, it’s all about drag inspiration from the 40s – you won’t want to miss it!
Remember, even back in 1948, drag was about celebrating diversity and finding your true self. Whether it's on a Broadway stage, a local club, or even a drag performance in your living room, you can embrace the magic of drag – and wear a pink tutu while you’re at it! It’s always about expressing yourself with a fabulous dose of glitter!
Keep those pink tutus handy, dolls!
Love,
Emma 💖✨
